UK to Ban Petrol Car Sales by 2040

UK to Ban Petrol Car Sales by 2040

UK to Ban Petrol Car Sales by 2040

The government is launching an “air quality plan” and will follow France in banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.

Editor’s Remarks:France announced their ban at the beginning of this month, and now the UK is following suit. The plan envisages that all cars sold beyond 2040 will be fully electric and is part of a package of proposals that aim to improve air quality in urban areas by changing road layouts and allowing local authorities to charge or ban older or high emission cars. But the proposals immediately ran into criticism. Environmental activist group ClientEarth said the measures were “eye-catching” but unconvincing and Greenpeace said that 2040 is “far too late.” The car industry, on the other hand, wants more time and government support to make the transition from combustion engines to electric. BMW has announced that its new electric Mini will be manufactured in the UK so at least someone is making a start.

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